Veterinary Specialty Services

Reviews 5

JU

Judy Eckert

Theres no doubt that this is the only place that you can go and spend $4000 and get the best operation and care that your dog might need and trust me you wont get out of there for less than $3000 if you dog needs an operation. But they are the best no doubt.. They are very caring, I guess, because I never really saw what goes on behind closed doors, however, they seemed to be and Im sure they are. They are very professional and do good works. Our dog had 2 operations there so you can imagine how much we spent... The last time we went there he had a couple things wrong but they decided to do the operation that seemed to be most important, or unusual and interesting for them, after all they had his complete records I would hope they knew which was more important.. And of course this is only my opinion... They did the operation, they opened up his face and he had to stay and stay and stay because he kept bleeding from his nose, I suppose. When we did get to see him he was not doing well and we were distraught at the sight, after all and he had a big slit down the middle of face and nose and a hole in his head, so again he stayed. We finally got to bring him home and he was still bleeding from his nose but that passed after a week and we thought he was getting better because the scar was healing and he was acting better, however, because they didnt treat the breathing thing that he originally came in for he had a heart attack and died. We have been distraught...I know animals dont live long and they pass away on us but this seemed a little bit much to put a big dog through at the age of 10 and of course you have to take this review with a little salt because, as you probably know well, we loved this animal, as people do, and we were trying really hard to help him and keep him happy and healthy. I really have no doubts they were too, and their hearts are good, but again, it was a little much. Im writing this review because after all thats said and done we got a bill from them today for $18.00.

---

TE

Terry Caine

My cat was supposedly treated by the veterinarians at Veterinary Specialty Services in April of 2016. I say supposedly treated because of the neglect, abuse, and unnecessary treatment my four-year-old cat received in her final days. After consultations at other veterinary offices, it was determined that my cat, Lucy, had heart disease. According to Lucys general care veterinarian, VSS would be the best place for Lucy to receive treatment. I should not have followed that opinion. During our visit, the heart specialist at VSS asserted that Lucy had a good prognosis, they would just need to keep her to monitor her vitals and provide her with consistent care. I would have been apprehensive to keep her there had VSS given me a different prognosis. Ultimately, the doctor provided me with false hope to line the pocketbook of VSS. Less than 36 hours in their care, Lucys health rapidly deteriorated which required me to make the tough decision to have her put to sleep. While holding her and through my tears I was apologizing to my little Lucy for leaving her there if I had only known. The doctor who administered the medicine to put Lucy to sleep argued with me immediately following the procedure instead of apologizing or sympathizing at all, she told me that I was made aware that this could be the outcome. After reviewing the itemized bill, I noticed a number of items that were not previously brought to my attention (i.e. additional testing, body scans, and removal/reinsertion of feeding tubes) that resulted in the further distress of my cat. Whatever you do, please do not bring your animals to VSS.

---

KI

Kim Earl

Wonderful staff and surgeons! Macy, my 5 year old miniature daschund, had an emergency laminectomy after suffering a herniated disk and subsequent paralysis. We drove from SPRINGFIELD IL on the advice of our veterinarian Dr. Saner. Macy was rapidly examined by neurosurgeon Dr. Wininger. He was direct about the options and statistical outcomes. He called about the MRI result and proceeded with surgery. I was kept informed daily about her progress including over the weekend. Physical therapy was imperative and she came home 8 days postoperative. I felt the fees were reasonable. My only suggestion would be that discharge instructions be more thorough in specific instructions regarding physical therapy with perhaps pictures or a YouTube video reference. I had to do some research on how to perform exercises for her recovery. I did find excellent online articles. I was very nervous about not "doing something right" or hurting her. As a nurse practitioner I have a new respect from the perspective of the patient receiving discharge instructions and understanding their fears or seemingly unnecessary nervousness. Overall I was extremely pleased with their services and will definitely give a AAA and recommend their facility for emergency services! Macy is running around and has made a complete recovery! We were so relieved when she started using her back legs and then one day she just seemed to take off. We have to keep her from overusing, jumping, etc. Thank you to ALL who took care of Macy!

---

KR

Kristin Seymour

I love VSS and will never go anywhere for my pet. Dr. Greer is amazing and so loving to animals. We brought our sweet little Cavapoo to VSS on New Years Day morning after being told by the Kirkwood Emergency Animal Hospital vet that he was too sick (septic shock) to have surgery at their facility. The vet referred us to the Ballwin VSS, and we could not be more grateful for them. Dr. Greer took care of Triscuit and literally saved his life. The chances of him surviving a 3rd surgery were 50-50. So, very risky, but she was so honest, clear about possible outcomes and the cost. The facility was incredibly clean, and every staff member is professional, compassionate and kind. I will only take Triscuit to VSS, and will refer all friends and family to this facility. Dr. Greer called us with updates, and better yet, kept the cost within the original estimate, even though the surgery was MUCH more complicated and involved resection of his intestine and suctioning out the sepsis. All of the vets at this facility are amazing, bright, compassionate and have excellent bedside manner. My family and I could not get over how clean the Ballwin VSS was, especially when coming in on off hours, and a holiday! As a clinician, I was extremely impressed with everything about VSS- and if I could give it 10 stars, I would. Love them! Triscuit survived and is doing great! Thank you Dr. Greer and team!

---

A

A Private User

I just went through the loss of one of my very loved animals. I was referred by another vet to VSS for specialty treatment when my dog suddenly stopped eating, had labored breathing and stopped moving around. I came in completely lost as to what the next steps would be. Dr. Greer led me through each step of the diagnostic process and when it was determined that he had a fatal quickly moving form of cancer and he was having trouble breathing due to having bled into his chest cavity. She helped me gently through the process of deciding what to do next. Euthanasia ended up really the only good and fair option. She brought him to me and I got to play with him and let him nap with me for a while and then they let me hold him and pet him while they gave him the medicine - as heartbreaking and painful it was really the best thing I could have hoped for under the circumstances. My biggest fear was for him to die alone and suffer. He died with me petting him his favorite way with no pain. She gave me all of the time I needed before and after he passed. I feel incredibly fortunate because I think I was given the best vet on the face of this earth for this - she was incredibly empathetic -I feel super blessed - I really needed a gentle hand for this... I would recommend Dr. Greer to anyone facing a major health crisis with their pet.

---

---